Test Sewing - 40, 50, and 60 weight thread

Have you been trying to decide which thread weight you need for your project? There are lots of guidelines you can follow (See our article on 40, 50, and 60 weight cotton threads).

However, guidelines can only take you so far - the very best way to choose the right thread weight for your project is to do a test stitch!

For example, I stitched two different decorative stitches in three weights of Mettler Silk Finish cotton thread in three weights - 40, 50, and 60 weight (the 40 weight is on top in both sets, 50 in the middle, and 60 on bottom). Seeing a side by side comparison of the three weights makes it easy for me to see which thread I liked best for each application.

Here are some tips for creating a test sample:

• When creating your test sample, use fabric scraps from your actual project to test color and contrast. If scraps aren't available, find fabrics that are similar.
• Set up your sample as close to your final application as possible (like batting and backing, or stabilizer if that's being used) to get the best idea of how your sample will look.
• Label your samples. Include the thread color number, the stitch number, the weight, and any other information (like if you changed your stitch length or width)
• Store samples stapled to a piece of paper and tucked into page protectors in a notebook. You'll be able to find them for easy reference later.
• Test all the stitch types you plan to use on your project. If you'll be doing both decorative stitches and free motion quilting, for example, test both types on your sample. You may even decide to use a different thread for different parts of the project.
• If choosing between two thread weights or colors, stitch them side by side so you can compare more easily.

Comparing 40, 50, and 60 Weight Silk Finish Cotton Thread

Have you found yourself wondering the difference between different weights of thread?

Thread weight is one way to measure the size of thread. Mettler's Silk Finish Cotton is available in 3 weights - 40, 50, or 60 weight.

40 weight is the heaviest, 50 falls in the middle, and 60 weight is the lightest Silk Finish cotton thread. (With thread weight, a larger number indicates a thinner thread). Each of these threads is a 2-ply 100% Egyptian cotton thread.

As the heaviest in the current line of Silk Finish threads, 40 weight cotton thread is ideal for machine quilting where you want the quilting to be prominent. Silk Finish 40 weight is available in 72 colors.

50 weight Silk Finish cotton is commonly used for both piecing and quilting. Available in 250 colors and 54 multi colors, 50 weight is the most popular of the 3 weights. With so many color options, finding the perfect color to quilt your project is easy. 50 weight Silk Finish cotton thread also makes an excellent machine embroidery thread for projects where you want to have the matte finish of cotton, but still have a soft sheen.

60 weight Silk Finish cotton is ideal for piecing intricate blocks. This thinner thread allows for the crispest seams in even the most detailed piecing project. 60 weight Silk Finish is also an excellent choice for machine quilting designs with intricate details, such as microstippling or pebbling projects.  The fine thread allows you to add lots of stitches to a project without adding stiffness or bulk. Silk Finish 60 weight is available in 214 colors.

New in 2014 - you'll find that the spools and cones are color-coded for easy identification! 40 weight is found on brown spools, 50 weight on purple spools, and 60 weight on green spools! Look for these new color-coded spools at your local dealer.

You can download this handy quilt calculator to tell you how many spools of any of the Silk Finish cotton threads you need to quilt your project.

Also, check out our new iPad app which you can use to inventory your threads, print thread charts, or find a local dealer!